The caves were first discovered by two brothers, John and George Pickett, in 1881 while searching for a lost pet.
The cavern system is naturally formed from Manitou Limestone, which dates back approximately 500 million years to the Ordovician Period.
The Terror-Dactyl attraction utilizes a compressed-air mechanism to launch riders 150 feet into the canyon before plummeting.
The park features a specialized 'Lantern Tour' that replicates the experience of early explorers by using only hand-held kerosene-style lanterns.
The cave temperatures remain a consistent 54 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius) year-round regardless of surface weather conditions.
The park is situated at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet above sea level.
The cavern contains rare 'boxwork' formations, which are fragile, honeycomb-like structures protruding from the cave walls.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is a geological attraction located in the Williams Canyon near Manitou Springs, featuring a series of karst caverns alongside high-altitude thrill attractions. The park offers guided cave tours through limestone formations including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. Above ground, the site features the Terror-Dactyl ride, which launches passengers into the 200-foot Williams Canyon. Additional adventure activities include a multi-level ropes course and zip lines that span the canyon terrain. The site operates as a commercial mountain park designed to combine speleology with outdoor amusement activities.
The observation deck overlooking Williams Canyon provides the best view of the canyon walls and the launch point of the Terror-Dactyl.
Wear closed-toe, athletic shoes with good grip, as cave paths can be steep, narrow, and slippery.
Bring a light jacket even in summer, as the constant cave temperature is significantly cooler than the exterior mountain air.
Book tour reservations online in advance, especially during peak summer months, to ensure availability for your preferred time slot.
Avoid arriving without a pre-booked tour, as cavern entry is restricted to guided groups and often sells out.
Open year-round, though specific outdoor aerial rides may be closed during periods of high wind, lightning, or severe winter storms.
Do not touch the cave formations, as oils from human skin can permanently stop their growth; follow all safety harness instructions for aerial attractions.
